Warren County’s Ava Dickerson, Skyline’s Morgan Layman Among Honorees at Sports Breakfast

This year’s Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast, part of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, will shine a spotlight on the region’s top high school and collegiate athletes, celebrating their accomplishments on and off the field. The event is set for Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. in the Tolley Zone of the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center at Shenandoah University.

Among the standout athletes being recognized are Ava Dickerson from Warren County High School and Morgan Layman from Skyline High School—two student-athletes who have not only excelled in their sports but also served as role models for their schools and community.

Ava Dickerson from Warren County High School

Ava Dickerson has made her mark as one of Warren County High School’s most decorated student-athletes. Earning seven varsity letters across volleyball, track, and basketball, Ava has been a force on the court and the field. Her talent and leadership helped earn her back-to-back honors as Region 3B Volleyball Player of the Year and First Team All-State selection during both her junior and senior years. She was also twice named Northern Virginia Daily’s Player of the Year. In track, she claimed the Region 3B title in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet, 2 inches, and finished eighth in the state meet during her junior season. Ava’s academic dedication is equally impressive—she holds a perfect 4.0 GPA and has signed a letter of intent to continue playing volleyball at Wheeling University, where she plans to pursue a college degree.

                                              Morgan Layman from Skyline High School

Skyline High School senior Morgan Layman brings a historic resume to the table. As a four-year starter on the boys’ varsity wrestling team, Morgan has carved out her own path, competing against mostly male opponents and racking up an impressive 108-65 career record. Her achievements include a 2023 VHSL Girls State Championship and multiple top-three finishes in the 2024 and 2025 state tournaments. Morgan is a two-time qualifier for the VHSL Boys State Wrestling Championships, a rare accomplishment for a female wrestler. On the national stage, she placed fifth at the Beast of the East in Delaware, fourth at Ironman in Ohio, and third at Powerade in Pennsylvania. Morgan, who carries a 3.5 GPA, is committed to Frostburg State University, where she’ll continue wrestling while working toward a nursing degree.

These two local athletes will join honorees from seven other schools across the region, including James Wood’s state champion swimmer Joe Warnagiris, Millbrook’s record-setting sprinter Jada Arrington, Handley’s three-sport standout Jaishaun Offutt, and Sherando’s four-time state champion wrestler Anthony Lucchiani. Also being recognized are Clarke County’s multi-sport athlete Tanner Sipe, Mountain View Christian Academy’s leadership award winner Jocelyn Mengel, and Shenandoah University quarterback Steven Hugney, who helped lead the Hornets to their first postseason appearance in 20 years.

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® President Jeremy Luttrell said this year’s Sports Breakfast will honor not only athletic excellence, but also academic achievement and character. “These student-athletes represent the very best of our community—discipline, teamwork, and a drive to succeed,” Luttrell said. “It’s our privilege to recognize their hard work and accomplishments.”

The Sports Breakfast, long a favorite event of the Apple Blossom Festival, offers the community a chance to celebrate local athletes alongside coaches, family members, and special guests. Tickets are available online at thebloom.com/events.